In the first reading, Isaiah 58:1-9a,God speaks to the people through Moses. His words easily suite us in our time now. How many times have you ever had the same feeling expressed by a frustrated people: "Why do we fast, and you do not see it"? It is a question that directly related to the reason anyone would fast or do something that is out of the ordinary especially when the results of the actions seem so minimal.
Without a significant purpose fasting become little more than a diet, prayer little more than just reciting words and almsgiving little more than seeking public recognition. To perform these actions without it being related to a deeper interior purpose will accomplish little more than frustration. However, when linked to a genuine purpose, when performed to draw us out of ourselves and into the person of Jesus Christ, these activities result in forging for the individual a unique closeness to Jesus Christ. This is true especially if we seek to strengthen our relationship with Jesus through an understanding of his sufferings. Our Lenten practices are the key that opens the door to a significant relationship with the Savior of humankind.
So, why are you doing whatever it is that you are doing for this season of Lent?
